MEDLIFE is a global non-profit organization with chapters in more than 300 universities. Through its mission, it works with low-income communities in Latin America and Africa to provide access to medicine, education and community service initiatives.
At Villanova University, the MEDLIFE chapter was introduced in 2023 by Dalimar Rentas, a junior biology major from Puerto Rico. Since then, Dalimar along with other members of MEDLIFE have created a community at Villanova that empowers individuals to learn more about the MEDLIFE movement. Throughout the academic year, the chapter hosts a variety of events such as fundraisers, information sessions with medical and health professionals, bonding activities and this year, it will introduce a new opportunity for students to get a CPR certification. All proceeds from fundraisers go towards different initiatives from MEDLIFE, such as its service learning trips. These are great opportunities for undergraduate students to learn more about medical fields and network with health professionals.
The MEDLIFE chapter at Villanova also participates in SLTs, which are week-long service learning trips where students from different chapters go to a low-income community in Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica or Tanzania. Their mission is to provide medical clinics and work on community development projects. In addition, students can gain up to 40 service hours, collaborate with health professionals and immerse themselves in an international culture.
“My experience at MEDLIFE SLT in Lima was truly life-changing,” Ana Colón, Vice President of the MEDLIFE Villanova chapter, said. “It allowed me to understand that healthcare should be accessible to everyone no matter their circumstances. If you ever have the chance of being a volunteer abroad, you won’t regret it.”
This year, from May 17 to May 24, a group of 22 students from Villanova will travel to San José, Costa Rica to participate in a MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip. Throughout this trip, students will be able to interact with locals while also volunteering on projects to improve the infrastructure of the community. Students engage with communities by providing mobile clinics, which give patients free access to healthcare provided by local health professionals. These clinics also help patients find out if they need long-term treatment. Student volunteers can participate in clinics related to education, OB/GYN, general medicine, triage and pharmacy.
In addition, students can participate in development projects. These projects include building communal bathrooms, stairs and a school for the community. The MEDLIFE chapter at Villanova has donated $1,306 for its upcoming Service Learning Trip to San José, Costa Rica.
The MEDLIFE chapter at Villanova also focuses on professional development by providing students the opportunity to build up their resumes by participating in local volunteering, finding research opportunities and networking with health professionals. For students interested in joining MEDLIFE, they can follow @medlifevu on Instagram.
